Enforcing Helmet Laws

[Nellie]

I'm not referring to helmet laws for street motorcycles, but kids on bicycles.

One of my daughter's classmates died about 7 years ago when she was knocked off her bike when hit by a car, and knocked her head against the pavement. She wasn't wearing a helmet, and she was in the wrong by darting out into the street. I see kids all through the town I live in NOT wearing helmets when riding their bicycles, and I have seen many times local LE (Sheriffs only because our town has no police) drive right on by like it was no big deal. I see the same thing in the nearest town that actually has a PD; most kids riding through town on their bicycles and at the local public skate park not wearing helmets.

Is enforcing helmet laws for children a low priority for some law enforcement agencies? What type of priority is it with the CHP?

[SB 405]

Tell you one thing Nellie...as long as people keep yackin' away on those cell phones I'm all for the helmet law. Sorry,I know that doesn't answer your question but I had to throw in my two cents.

[dw]

Having worked in an Area that covered a significant unincorporated region, I can say it was a substantial priority. The whole genre of "pedestrian" safety, in fact. Bicycle helmets, riding bicycles on the sidewalk, jaywalking, crossing against a signal, etc... Children detained for riding on the sidewalk or without a helmet are usually given "parental notification" citations, which is not punitive per the court. As the name indicates, a letter is generated and mailed to the parents. Court enforcement may be taken if the parents allow the violation to continue.

I have to say, I've never written a child with no helmet. Often, on surface streets, they'll flock to the scene of a collision to watch. I usually ask them where their helmets are and suggest they return with them on. As with many things these days, parents really should be taking responsibility. I hardly think they're ditching the helmet after they leave the house. And a pet peeve of mine, strapping them on would be a good idea -- I even see adults riding around with an unfastened helmet. What's the point?

[Mick]

There were just a couple of us at my office that felt issuing "Parental notification" cites were the one way to impress upon the kids to wear their helments. In my town their is very low compliance by school kids to wear a helmet. I cringe when I think of them falling over some day. My niece had to have brain surgery when she fell off her bicycle when she was young. It made me a believer in enforcement. It's so easy to be tactful during in asking the kids their name and info for this type of cite. The positive effects can last a lifetime.